"predicted to approach or exceed EPA health standards over most of Iowa
today. At this level the air can be unhealthy for sensitive groups."

 

In Western Iowa, the ammonia and nitric acid comes from industrial
agriculture.  CAFO sewage and all the nitrogen added to the corn fields.  

 

Donna

 

 

  _____  

From: Iowa Discussion, Alerts and Announcements
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Neila Seaman
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 7:07 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Elevated Air Pollution in Iowa

 

 

Iowa DNR News

Environmental Services Division

For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2007 
MEDIA CONTACT: Sean Fitzsimmons, Ambient Air Monitoring, (515) 281-8923 or
Mindy Kralicek, air quality information specialist, (515) 281-7832
 
Stagnant Air and Fog Continue to Cause Elevated Air Pollution Levels Across
Iowa 

DES MOINES - Pollutant levels exceeding U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) health standards for fine particles were present over most of Eastern
Iowa Wednesday, and are predicted to approach or exceed EPA health standards
over most of Iowa today. At this level the air can be unhealthy for
sensitive groups.
The Department of Natural Resources recommends that Iowans with respiratory
or heart disease, the elderly, and children limit prolonged exertion until
air quality conditions improve.
 
The EPA's 24-hour health standard for fine particles is 35 micrograms per
cubic meter. On Wednesday, fine particle levels in Clinton averaged 62
micrograms per cubic meter and 59 micrograms per cubic meter in Davenport.
At mid day today, all monitors across the central and northern part of the
state averaged more than 35 micrograms per cubic meter; air monitors in
Davenport averaged 56 micrograms per cubic meter; and in Des Moines 42
micrograms per cubic meter.
Fine particle levels are expected to remain elevated across Iowa through the
end of the day on Friday. 
 
Fine particles are emitted by vehicle traffic and other combustion sources
and are also formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Stagnant air
masses do not allow the fine particles to disperse, and pollutant levels
rise. In the winter, fog droplets at near freezing temperatures capture
ammonia and nitric acid and give rise to fine particles made of ammonium
nitrate.
 
EPA's national air quality map is available online at
<http://www.airnow.gov/> www.airnow.gov. 
 

# # #

 

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